Descanso Gardens

Descanso Gardens is a true oasis of peace and beauty. There’s so much to explore, with a wide variety of plants and flowers – from cactus gardens to vibrant blooms, offering something unique in every corner. They host several well-planned events throughout the year, adding something special each season. It's an ideal place for kids to run around and enjoy themselves, and for adults to take a break, relax, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone looking to reconnect with nature or just escape for a while.

Took advantage of Free Tuesday (3rd Tuesday of every month) and enjoyed a couple hours at Descanso Gardens! There are large swathes of shade throughout the park with a combination of paved and natural trails throughout. There are a couple of areas with steep uneven stairs but you can easily enjoy a large majority of the park without having to take those paths if you are unable to. There is also an indoor art gallery near the back of the gardens that was super nice, and a market at the front of the gardens with a nice selection of plants, gifts, and refreshments for purchase. Love it here!

This garden is a true oasis, filled with beautiful blooms and a calming atmosphere. It’s the ideal place for some quiet time. It was fun with my daughter to see the train, we enjoyed a lot over there. We felt the food was bit expensive. Overall good experience & we will visit again in different season to see different varieties of flowers.

And yet another gem in Los Angeles where the cost of admission for adults is $15 and kids 5 years old and younger are free! A tremendous nature walk! Loved the Japanese garden and lakes. Truly let nature run wild and I can see that they tried to make it as close to the real thing as possible. Dragonflies, butterflies, and all sorts of wildlife flying around. Great spot!

Beautiful gardens, and a feeling of stepping out of the city and into a picture book. Very lovely area with so much to see and do, including some great model trains.

The garden is pretty big, the Japanese garden what's a cool site so you only get to see the soccer of flowers during certain seasons of the year. Also there is a Korean art section with old and more new age art all what's a good experience and cool to see. The flowers and the flowers section were cool, but I will say the food there good but is very expensive can I add highly suggest to bring your own. Lastly, we enjoyed riding the train which was fun and something good to do with the kids which is $5 a person. Overall, was a good experience and definitely worth going.

This place was a nice long walk. I went during the summer, so many of the flowers were wilting. I recommend going in spring because I think it would be beautiful. I also recommend bringing a big water bottle because it is very hot there during summer. Lastly, you can get a discount on your ticket if you are a student!

A beautiful garden to visit any time of the year. Their special event, Carved, is spectacular and gets better every year. Can't wait for Enchanted this year, which is also spectacular. Our family looks forward to both events each year.

Descanso Gardens is a true oasis of peace and beauty. There’s so much to explore, with a wide variety of plants and flowers – from cactus gardens to vibrant blooms, offering something unique in every corner. They host several well-planned events throughout the year, adding something special each season. It's an ideal place for kids to run around and enjoy themselves, and for adults to take a break, relax, and enjoy the serene atmosphere. Highly recommend for anyone looking to reconnect with nature or just escape for a while.

Took advantage of Free Tuesday (3rd Tuesday of every month) and enjoyed a couple hours at Descanso Gardens! There are large swathes of shade throughout the park with a combination of paved and natural trails throughout. There are a couple of areas with steep uneven stairs but you can easily enjoy a large majority of the park without having to take those paths if you are unable to. There is also an indoor art gallery near the back of the gardens that was super nice, and a market at the front of the gardens with a nice selection of plants, gifts, and refreshments for purchase. Love it here!

This garden is a true oasis, filled with beautiful blooms and a calming atmosphere. It’s the ideal place for some quiet time. It was fun with my daughter to see the train, we enjoyed a lot over there. We felt the food was bit expensive. Overall good experience & we will visit again in different season to see different varieties of flowers.

And yet another gem in Los Angeles where the cost of admission for adults is $15 and kids 5 years old and younger are free! A tremendous nature walk! Loved the Japanese garden and lakes. Truly let nature run wild and I can see that they tried to make it as close to the real thing as possible. Dragonflies, butterflies, and all sorts of wildlife flying around. Great spot!

Beautiful gardens, and a feeling of stepping out of the city and into a picture book. Very lovely area with so much to see and do, including some great model trains.

The garden is pretty big, the Japanese garden what's a cool site so you only get to see the soccer of flowers during certain seasons of the year. Also there is a Korean art section with old and more new age art all what's a good experience and cool to see. The flowers and the flowers section were cool, but I will say the food there good but is very expensive can I add highly suggest to bring your own. Lastly, we enjoyed riding the train which was fun and something good to do with the kids which is $5 a person. Overall, was a good experience and definitely worth going.

This place was a nice long walk. I went during the summer, so many of the flowers were wilting. I recommend going in spring because I think it would be beautiful. I also recommend bringing a big water bottle because it is very hot there during summer. Lastly, you can get a discount on your ticket if you are a student!

A beautiful garden to visit any time of the year. Their special event, Carved, is spectacular and gets better every year. Can't wait for Enchanted this year, which is also spectacular. Our family looks forward to both events each year.

I went to Carved at Descanso Gardens, and it was such a fun experience! The whole place was lit up with pumpkins and had the perfect fall, Halloween vibe. It's a great spot to explore--super family-friendly, and perfect for a group of friends too. The path was easy to walk through, and it wasn't crowded, which was nice. The pumpkin carvings were so impressive. They even carved Ryuk from Death Note into one of them, which was such a cool surprise to see! Some of the designs were way more intricate than I expected. They also had snacks, drinks, and some fun photo ops if you want to hang out for a while. Overall, it's totally worth checking out, especially in the evening, if you're looking for something fun to do this season!

Just left the Carved Pumpkin event! Lasted about 1 hour & half for us. Went on Wednesday at 7:30. Luckily there wasn't a lot of people so it was very easy to walk around and take our time scoping everything. The miniature city with the line trains above was my favorite section. So much detail put into the tiny buildings! Was blown away! There were lots and lots of different characters carved on the pumpkins. The whole event had a gloomy spooky dark vibe as we made our way. I really appreciate the creativity and time that was put into everything. The event was provided a couple of concession stands offering food/drinks. As well as a gift shop with lots of souvenirs and lots of other cute stuff + plants as well. Overall wonderful experience here! Def one for the books.

Great place to go alone for a walk, with family or kids. There is always things tondo there for kids and entertaining decoration and activities during holidays, or Halloween. I highly recommend this park for a shiet visit to take scenic pictures or to get a membership if you live close by.

Another wonderful Descanso Carved event. Always a glorious exhibition of the gardens and very skilled decorators who curate this annual event.

I've come here two different years on 4 June to celebrate my wedding anniversary. At that time of year, the rose garden is their pièce de résistance. It is indeed lovely, with plenty of bushes, gazebos, and wooden arbors abloom. The Prehistoric Forest is my favourite part of the grounds. Towering trees, Jurassic Park-esque plants. Peaceful, quiet. That peace doesn't extend to much of the park - in the summer, there are always tons of screeching kids. I don't think there's a time of day that one could escape that. The Boddy House is interesting to see and tour once. I'd like to come back in April to see (and smell) the lilac garden abloom, and the Christmas festivities seem lovely as well. There's a shop with upscale souvenir or gift items. They have a picnic area, but in the summer it will be packed with families.

What I love about living in Los Angeles is that we get to enjoy so many gems to go and enjoy. We just have to find them! This Descanso Gardens is one that truly is very enjoyable to visit for the beauty of it, vibrant blooming flowers, the nature walk and the serenity and peaceful atmosphere it has. It makes you feel like you're totally away from the city when you're not really. The gardens, the trees and the little animals you see walking around like little rabbits, turtles, birds singing and chirping, or fish swimming by the little lake makes you feel like you're in an oasis! A very nice reprieve to the very busy city! My girlfriend was able to obtain the free tickets for us all 4 of us that were available on Tuesdays, but if you can't wait for that, you can walk in and pay $15 entrance fee. Not bad at all for what you can experience inside the vast garden. We all enjoyed all the gardens, specially more so at the Rose garden where my girlfriend and her hubby got married hmmm about almost 30 years ago. Revisiting the place on their anniversary was very special! We got to stroll and walk around the grounds and we enjoyed all the gardens, including but not limited to the rose garden, the Japanese Garden, and just all the colorful bushes of flowers and trees all over! Parking is free and we came here last month so it was very hot but there are some trees that gave shades to cool down. Make sure you bring water with you because you will be needing it and wear sunscreen and hats!

Located in beautiful La Cañada Flintridge is Descanso Gardens. The botanical garden is about 150 acres; they have a considerable sized exhibit of camellias, one of the largest in the world, all year round, but especially in January (as mentioned by an employee). I enjoyed all the areas, however, my favorite was the rose garden. One can easily spend 2 hours here--just taking photos and taking it all in. There are parts I did not get to explore. Nevertheless, sky gazing is allowed and encouraged to watch the clouds drifting. Birds chirping was music to my ears. You see, you get a sense of wild right in the middle of the city (an urban oasis). Many areas were shaded, most paths had cement trails, and a perfect way to get steps in. If you are falling off your workout routine, this is a sign to get back on it. You're welcome! It definitely has a way of making fun even funner. They have a gift shop, restrooms, and a market--outdoor picnics are allowed in the entrance area, but not inside the gardens for preservation. I would love to visit again perhaps for an evening stroll for the enchanted forest of lights. Parking was easy in, easy out. Tip: Descanso railroad begins 7/13/24

We bit the bullet and got a family membership for $99 per year. It was so worth it for us because leveraged the AHS reciprocal membership when we traveled to other gardens in various parts of California. So we got free admission to those other member gardens, so we got our money's worth from the annual membership. We were also able to attend the sneak peek of the newly created model train depot at Descanso before the general public. Got train tickets at a discount too. Lucky us. The kids love the train so we'll be back to ride it again and again.

For only $15 dollars per adult, Descanso Gardens is a great way to have a date, take a relaxing stroll, have a picnic, or take some really beautiful photos at. Before entering the gardens, there's a great little coffee truck by the gift shop that you can grab a coffee or pastry at before you enter the gardens. If you want something a little more filling, there's also a full on restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Now on to the gardens, as the seasons change, so do the gardens and the types of flowers in bloom. When I went tulip season was just ending so there was only the tiniest spot where there were a handful left. Luckily though the rose pavilion was in full bloom and sooo gorgeous! As you walk through the gardens, each area has a theme and a map is given to you so you can follow the trail to view each area. It took us about 2.5 hours walking through and enjoying each part of the gardens. I was a little disappointed at the Japanese Gardens as there weren't many flowers and the actual spot seemed a bit neglected compared to other Japanese gardens i've visited. Also not sure if the 'Lakeside Lookout' is usually a clean and blue lake but when we were there it looked more like a swamp. We barely even realized we had reached the lake until we were at the end of it. Overall though a nice place to walk through and enjoy some lunch

Descanso Gardens is a great place to immerse yourself in nature.This was our first time here and the flowers were in full bloom. The gardens are well kept and the Boddy House has fun exhibits. My favorite was the rose gardens. There are plenty of areas where you can sit down and rest or picnic. Admission $15 Parking is ample and free Restaurant has quick eats like desserts, fruit bowls & sandwiches Staff friendly and helpful If you are looking for a relaxed activity, I highly suggest visiting Descanso Gardens

These gardens are so beautiful. It's the perfect spot to read a book or just enjoy the sun on a blanket. I love that you can get coffee, snacks and even drinks during Happy Hour. Our entrance fee for 2 retired people and two adults was $51. The membership allows you to visit a ton of others gardens for free as well.

Here for the Cherry Blossoms (Prunus) at DESCANSO GARDENS on 03.09.2024, but found it a bit underwhelming. I know these delicate blooms are spectacular but brief. It could also be due to last weeks rain storm. Nonetheless, we still enjoyed the beauty of the very few in bloom in the Japanese garden as well as the tulip field, and train ride. We purchased our admission tickets online a couple of days in advance. If you're also interested in riding the small train, then you'll have to purchase additional ride tickets onsite at customer service. It's $5/pp and it was about a 10-minute wait for a 10 minute ride around the Promenade. It would've been nice if the ride was narrated by the conductor, but I will say the safety coordinator was upbeat and informative. We recently visited Butchardt Gardens in Canada, so I couldn't help to compare. Overall, Descanso is on a much smaller scale but offers enough space to wander and enjoy enough color to brighten your day! Check out the gift shop at the front entrance, which has a focus on artisanal products and plants for purchase. If you've worked up an appetite, you must visit the snack bar or convenience shop for grab 'n go items like popcorn and a yummy, fresh made Hibiscus Lemonade!

It's rose season so now is a perfect time to go if you're looking to take photos or just to enjoy the rose garden in full bloom! I finally had the chance to go to Descanso Gardens after having it on my bucket list for a while. Be prepared to come in comfortable walking shoes since there are some steep areas such as the hilltop gardens. There are signage/maps everywhere that can help guide you where to go and drinking fountains as well. Parking is free. One adult ticket is $15 and you can purchase it online or in person at the visitor center when you're about to walk in. While the gardens are very beautiful and well kept, I felt that there wasn't much to do. It really does depend on the season and what specific flower you want to see. Overall, it was a great experience. I got a total of 6k steps in and it took me about 2 hours to explore the whole area.

Descanso Gardens is one of our family favorites. With art, nature a tea house and fresh air...you can't miss seeing this space.

The train is back, baby! I'm a train fan, from model railroad, to giant steam engines. At Descanso, their scaled-down small rideable train has been a family favorite for decades. They've updated the engine equipment to operate electrically. It took a while; train hiatus lasted a long time. Now they are up and running again. Of course we had to take Sweet Granddaughter for a ride. It also served as great incentive for her to get ready so that we could go and make sure to get a ride. They have two blocks of time for rides, with the second one ending at 4 p.m., as I recall. It's $5 per rider. The whole loop only takes about 6 minutes. It sure would be nice to have it last longer, because it's so pleasant to be moving slowly through the landscaped grounds, especially into part of the camellia forest. For a fleeting time you can not only feel yourself surrounded by gentle nature, but also experience the sensation of being transported back to childhood wonder. Over too soon! Of course, SG wanted to keep riding. We had to convince her that were other venues to explore. Oddly, in January, many rosebushes were blooming. I thought it would be too soon or too late for them. Mother Nature has other ideas this year. After spending some time in the Rose Garden, and then play time for SG hopping on stumps and playing on a seesaw with other kids, it was time to go see how the camellias were doing. My mother had a substantial camellia bush (tree?) growing by the front door of my childhood home. She always had a sweet spot for camellias and rhododendrons - both acid-soil loving bushes. They can flourish for years without a lot of extra care. I always think of her when the camellias are blooming at Descanso. The thick of the season is still ahead, but there are definitely hundreds of bushes already showing off their colors. This is the time of year where we look forward to visiting the gardens at least once a month, if not every few weeks. Cherry blossoms, then tulips, and lilacs lie ahead in the blooming season. We definitely get a lot out of our annual membership. This is the last year that our little companion is free, so we will be taking advantage of that!

This place is really something special. Get ready to relax in the heart of nature! Descanso Garden in La Cañada/Flintridge is really a gem that should be experienced by everyone. As nature goes, the time of year does determine what is in bloom. Don't expect every flower to be in peak season. Their website is a huge help when it comes to what is in season and what has past. Now as the garden goes, it is big and lush throughout. Walking shoes are preferred, and there is plenty of shade under the oaks when you get a little further out from the main areas. The highlight for us was the Japanese Garden, serene, clean and you are instantly transported to another time! They did a great job with this and it really does stand out as a highlight to us every time. This garden is very well maintained, clean and has hundreds of flowers, plants and trees that are the perfect backdrop for dozens of pictures. Buy your tickets ahead of time, strap up some walking shoes and head down to Descanso Gardens for a couple hours. The time goes by fast but you will enjoy every minute there.

On a Wednesday morning, at around 10, during spring break, the gardens were reasonably serene and quiet. As we moved towards noon, they grew more and more packed and at times pretty noisy. If you like the quiet, go early. You will need 2-3 hours to stroll around, take pictures, and rest. The gardens are gorgeous, well-maintained, and clean. The flowers are in full bloom and many of the plants have labels which is informative. It is a family/ senior/ kid friendly environment. Most people we met were nice and courteous. One or two in the parking lot were not. Plenty of parking even at around noon in the extra lots outside the main parking lot. Check-in was easy. They have all sorts of discounts. Make sure to check their website before you go. Suggestion: The little ponds here and there have stale stagnant dirty water. Take care of that or in a matter of days, you will have a mosquito problem.

We took advantage of the good weather and decided to visit Descanso Gardens. It was a very nice, peaceful, scenic stroll around the gardens looking at different beautiful blooms. We enjoyed every minute of our time here. I was in love with the tulips. They are in super bloom. The size in every bloom is larger than my palm. The camellias and calla lilies were also huge in size. I recommend visiting this place. Bring a bottle of water with you.

Not too crowded for a Saturday. Lots of walking trails, beautiful trees and plants. Saw lots of very friendly peacocks, squirrels and heron. Nice day outing overall.

This is a beautiful place!! The grounds are lovely and the views and flowers are awesome! It's nice in every season but in my opinion spring is the best!! The tulips were all blooming and it was stunning!! It's nice to be able to walk around and enjoy so much beauty!! Parking was easy and we had a great time!

This review had been overdue! This is smaller compared to Huntington Library, but has its on charm. There is a nice shop, cafe, train ride and also the Boddy House to explore. We went here during springtime and love looking at the colorful flowers - especially the pretty Camellias! The Japanese garden was also lovely. There's a lot of parking space. Overall, it was good experience. Would come back here again.

Absolutely love Enchanted at Descanso Gardens!!! It'll take about an hour to an hour and half to walk through the entire course and everything is absolutely stunning! The lights are synced to the music and changes every so often and some of them are interactive as well! The pictures really do speak for themselves already and it's great for both adults and kids! Depending on the week, the tickets get sold out pretty quickly so make sure to purchase tickets in advance! There's also free parking in the lot! They also change up the light shows every year so even if you've been here before, there's always something new to see! Fantastic event and a must see!!!

Just attended the Carved event and it was so great!! Main reason why I'm writing though is because I had an issue and some questions regarding my tickets. I called the visitor line and Gabriel helped me out. He was absolutely wonderful! Provided great answers and was very patient and understanding. We got to really enjoy the event because of him! Overall a great experience and great time!!

What I love most about Descanso Gardens is the extensive collection of camellia flowers. If you ever come visit during camellia season, you will be blessed with an abundance of colorful blooms in their camellia forest. I also like how shaded it is and how walking around the gardens is like a hike itself with varying degrees of difficulty. If you get up to high point in the gardens, you are blessed with a nice view of the mountain in the distance. It is also nice that Descanso Gardens is not as crowded as Huntington Library or the LA Arboretum. It is nice to enjoy some peace and beautiful scenery.

We stopped by here on our anniversary trip, we love to find local gardens (bonus if there's a Japanese Garden included!) So many little paths to follow and explore, the place was quiet, quant and beautiful. It was hot and I was grateful they had water fountains around for drinking. Wonderful views, a great escape from the hustle and bustle! Their gift shop was very nice - we picked up a little cactus to come home with us and it's currently thriving.

I went to their seasonal Enchanted event. I never been to the gardens before. I ended up getting an early slot in. Thankfully I did. It was easy to get parking and there wasn't too many people. I found out about this via TikTok. I was curious to check it out. I would say enjoy it for thr atmosphere it delivers. While there are instagramable sports, getting the right lighting as this is an evening event in the winter, can be tricky. The displays are very well done. The ancient forest and flower power sections are my favorite. They did have food and drinks available, i went with the boozy cider and it was alright. Overall, it was a neat experience. The best way to experience this is to really be in the moment.

Descanso Gardens is childhood nostalgia for me. I've been frequenting this garden since I was a kid, and it's still as charming as ever. Beautiful gardens and trails with a cup of coffee in hand is a perfect way to spend a morning or afternoon. I recently came again with my mom and aunt to check out the gardens and we had a beautiful family day. We got our steps in, took post worthy photos, and had lunch after. The rose gardens were our favorite. This is a sweet spot to check out with family and friends. It's also kid friendly. Descanso Gardens is a wonderful place to spend a couple of hours enjoying the beautiful landscapes while getting grounded in nature.

Finally made my view to Descanso Gardens! Great place to take a walk in the nature & all the fresh air in. It is decorated beautifully for fall with all the pumpkins and hay. Parking is plenty and it's free. Coffee cart outside has great lattes. Cashless payment only. Such a fun experience with the kids, my son found the trees and all different colors stimulating. He took the best nap afterwards :) Will definitely look into membership options as their christmas event is starting soon. 10/10 recommended!

Came here for my daughter's and son's prom photos. This place was AMAZING! I loved the flowers and pond . It's definitely a nice relaxing place to come on a date , see nature, take great pictures, and enjoy life. You could literally spend time here for hours learning . I also liked seeing the turtles and ducks roaming around and not bothered as they walk past you lol. Definitely can tell they are used to people here.

I love Descanso Gardens! it is a great place to walk or hike. Fun seasonal events.. beautiful views. A great place for nature photography.

This garden is always very enjoyable! Nested against the mountains in a quiet neighborhood. The gardens is a manageable place to visit for the day with free parking. To add to the fun you can bring your own picnic or you can buy food and refreshment at the gardens! They even have alcohol drinks: wine bottles, beer and canned cocktails! This is a great place to visit on warmer days as a lot of the grounds are covered by trees. At the gardens you can visit the Japanese gardens, rose gardens, pond or a house. There are flat areas and hills leading to the mountains. For kids there is a small train to ride for a fee. The gardens often have special events too. We were there during the carved display. This is a special event for Halloween at night where there are a lot of pumpkins, spiders and more! During the day you can visit without the lights. A little less scary for kids! And they have a free day once a month too but must get tickets in advance. Check their website on how to get free tickets.

Amazing park with flowers blooming constantly. There's a ton of shade so if you're looking for a place to walk around without getting assaulted by the sun, this is the place! It does, however, feel especially humid by the lake here, but it isn't too bad. There is a ton to see on the property and every visit feels like I'm visiting a new garden

What is not to like about this place?! Everything is beautiful and smells beautiful! It's like going down Alice's rabbit hole and winding up in a wonderland. They have all sorts of plants and themes. For instance they have a Japanese Garden with a little bridge and a Japanese Tea House. It's so peaceful. They have a koi pond there as well. Then they have an area that looks like nothing but Hawaiian flowers everywhere. The trees are gigantically tall and it's so beautiful to look up through their branches into the light. Every few feet they have a bench so as you move along their trails you can sit and enjoy the view. This is a great place for meditating. There is also a lake with ducks floating around in it. They have a coffee cart and a market. Alecia helped me at the store. She is very knowledgeable about everything. She's also very kind. You can buy anywhere from clothes, hats or educational products and toiletries. Everyone is very wonderful. It's a happy place. If you are a photographer this is the place you want to go to. I could not stop taking pictures. At Christmas they have a Festival of Lights show. We bought memberships because we love this place so much. As an added bonus with buying a membership here you are also able to use it at the Lis Angeles Botanical Gardens, The membership entitles us to 345 + gardens throughout North America. Plus the American Horticultural Society. If you want a really peaceful, happy day this is the place for you. If you sign up for a membership the two gentlemen there are really fun and get you the best deal possible. They are very friendly and joyful. I bought a membership so I will be back as well as going to so many other places. In today's stressful world this is the place to be at.

The garden had a wide mixture of trails for family and for hikers. There were all sorts of attractions for the kids, and quiet areas to sit down in the shade to read a book as well. Amazing place!

Wow this place is a must do! One of the prettiest gardens we've visited .. the redwood forest, Japanese garden and tulip areas were our favorites. Admission is $15 per adult, parking is easy in their big lot. You can go for FREE on the 3rd Tuesday of every month. We found the trails to be well maintained and the entire place was clean and had many shaded areas you could just sit and relax. We happened to be there when the cherry blossoms were in full bloom and that was so cool to see! Definitely go and check this place out! Only down side was the rain wasn't running when we went so check their website to see if it's running if that's something you are interested in.

This review is specifically for the Carved event at Descanso. A very cute idea, but way overpriced for what it is. We visited (two adults) on a Sunday evening. One of the first things we noticed upon beginning the walk through were signs saying "Exit", which made us nervous. Surely it can't be the exit already? We sensed the end was near almost immediately, so we made sure to sit and admire the view in two different spots. Even with all of that, we were in and out within an hour (including parking, eating, walk back to the car). For $40, this is incredibly overpriced. Perhaps more fun with kids? But there just isn't much to explore at all. We were e extremely let down. I've always wanted to visit Descanso, but after this experience I'm not so sure I'll return. You can get the same experience looking at Halloween decor in your neighborhood.

* As of July 31, 2023, Descanso Gardens will only accept cashless payments. * Baby changing stations in bathrooms. * All stroller sizes friendly. Hours 9AM-7PM. I love this place. They have two exhibits that display different stuff every few months. It's normally educational and I've seen a lot of stuff from the Tongva, the original inhabitants of California before the colonization. Descanso Gardens normally has stuff going on for kids. This summer they lay out activities for the kids; water sensory place, sun photos, ect. They also have evening light shows and other stuff throughout the year. Not to mention, it's acres of nature! It has steep hills, gorgeous plants and trees. (Wear comfortable shoes.) Random Facts: The Gardens are operated by the Descanso Gardens Foundation, which is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are in a public-private partnership with Los Angeles County. It spans about 165 acres.

Got free tix for Descano which they have for every 3rd Tuesday of the month. The grounds were beautiful, peaceful, colorful and green. Not the most wheelchair/ handicap friendly as there is a lot of elevated walking but also good flat surface areas. The tulips, cherry blossoms and Japanese garden were my favorite and free parking! You have to make a reservation online. Great views of the mountains and surrounding areas. I did not make it on the train but saw it chugging around.

Adjust your expectations... If you're expecting the Huntington, imagine instead that the Huntington Gardens had a baby with a public park: scruffier, scrappier, dryer, dustier, less immaculate, more native feeling. If you're expecting a ride-on train that works, try Travel Town in Griffith Park. We were excited for the little ride-on train to relaunch at Descanso since it was broken down more often than not. Cue a lengthy closure and revamp: only to have it be an electric train that can't pull as many cars and often breaks down in the heat. Why launch in July then? I have never been on a day where the train was running or didn't break down. Not sure why they decided to feature something they can't run; a bummer that they had this major relaunch only for the ride-on train to be as exactly as unreliable. The new model train feature is very cute and fun, especially for little ones. The gardens are extensive and enjoyable and the volunteers are kind and passionate (just expect to get yelled at if your kid tries to sneak a snack anywhere but the dedicated area). Just wish certain advertised elements lived up to the fanfair.

What a beautiful garden with a huge labyrinth for walking meditation. There's a train that goes around and inside the garden for kids! What a cute idea ! Their food at the restaurant was not bad. The salad with fruits and cheese was very flavorful and refreshing. Definitely a great place to wind down and spend quality time with friends and families.

Tulips are in peak bloom at Descanso Gardens! This is always my favorite time of the year to visit.

Over priced - poorly managed- Sodexo who took it over thinks it's actually a theme park or crypto.com with the prices it's asking for the grab and go food. The park itself is not well maintained- very rugged for what you pay. Wear comfy shoes it's up and down hill - the nice... not much ! Save your money but better yet save your day go to the Huntington - descanso f'd up with the new management company but that's on them. Don't waste your time here

Descanso Gardens: A Sanctuary for Families Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge is a true sanctuary, offering tranquility and a deep sense of history. As a long-time member, I've had the pleasure of raising my sons amidst its beauty and serenity. We live near by, and are members. This garden is more than just a collection of plants; it's a place where nature, history, and culture converge. The word "Descanso" means "rest" in Spanish, and that's exactly what you'll find here. Strolling through the towering oaks, vibrant camellias, and tranquil turtle pond, you can't help but feel a sense of peace. It's a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where families can slow down and savor the moment. One of the most poignant aspects of Descanso Gardens is its rich history. The renowned Camellia Collection owes its existence to Japanese-American nursery owners who were forced to sell their plants during WWII. Despite the dark circumstances, the gardens honor their legacy with beautiful blooms that stand as living monuments to their resilience and expertise. Descanso Gardens also recognizes the indigenous peoples who originally inhabited this land. The Tongva, Tataviam, Serrano, Kizh, and Chumash Peoples were the first stewards of this area. The garden's Land Acknowledgment pays homage to these native communities, ensuring their stories are remembered. Visiting Descanso Gardens with my family has been a source of joy and learning. Exploring the Japanese Garden with its teahouse and koi-filled streams, or meandering through the oak woodlands, we are constantly reminded of the strength and resilience that have shaped this remarkable place. It's a perfect spot to raise kids who appreciate nature and history. Descanso Gardens is a living testament to the enduring power of nature and the indomitable spirit of those who have contributed to its legacy. If you're looking for a place to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful retreat, Descanso Gardens is a must-visit. Bring your family and let your children grow up with the beauty and history of this wonderful garden.

Spring is here! Despite the June Gloom in Southern California, Descanso Gardens is open for the beauty business. Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens is a 150-acre botanical garden that is beautiful, educational and a wonderfully affordable experience for young and old alike. Normal entry is around $15, but every third Tuesday of the month, admission is FREE. You just need to sign up online for tickets the first Thursday of the month you want to visit. Definitely more popular in the warmer, Spring and Summer months, the beauty and peace of the Gardens is spectacular. The website is extremely informative, including what's currently in bloom, daily and nightly attractions, etc. Parking is first-come, first-serve and free. I visited in May 2024 with a friend of mine and the Roses were in full bloom. A few of the areas, Lillies in particular, were closed as those flowers had not yet woken up from their Winter naps. Plenty to see and do, including a Japanese Garden, a mini train ride (extra $5 per person and tickets usually sell out fast), as well as guided tours and a few places to buy food and gifts. The restaurant was closed for renovations during our visit, but some light grab-n-go food and drink options were available. The staff are all amazingly friendly, and offer some educational exhibits to learn about plants, fungi and other specialties of the grounds. Always so much to see and do and the beauty lies in the rotating flower and exhibition schedules. Be sure to check out the website and, if inclined, consider becoming a member for an additional fee and access to the Gardens early before general admission.

Tucked away in La Canada Flintridge by the 210 and 2 Freeway. Descanso Gardens is a gem to the San Gabriel Valley. It is a perfect spot to get in touch with nature, and I highly recommend this spot for people that is directionally challenged like me. You can stroll leisurely and enjoy the gardens, or power walk around the hills area when you want to get some good workout. I can easily get 2-3 miles of walking here. Regular entrance fee is $15 per person. Annual pass for 2 people from same household is only $80, so you basically get your money's worth if you visit more than 3 times.

Another amazing visit at Descanso Gardens during end of June 2023. Missed most of the rose bloom, but luckily still got a glimpse of some of it. Gotta come here in early June for better rose bloom views next year. Always enjoy a relaxing stroll and the fun in taking beautiful pictures at this garden. My love for nature's natural beauty and photography! If you haven't already, get their yearly membership. Well worth every penny! Even if you don't live close, you can still visit this garden during their various bloom seasons. I live 1.5+ hours away and I've been a member for 3 years now. Just get it! You won't regret it. Happy times always! My favorite months to visit: Tulips in February Lilacs, cherry blossoms in March Roses in June Cosmos, daisies in October Carnations, camelias, gardenias in December

It's a nice mini outing from the city. We got tickets online in advance and got the train tickets on site. Pls keep in mind that the train has a break for two hours during lunch, so plan it accordingly. The place is huge and organized by different themes; it's nice to see all the plants in the city.

I love this garden because it's so rustic and shaded. It's a bit out of the way but well worth it. At 150 acres it's huge, I believe it's the biggest botanical garden in LA. I was impressed with the number of benches that are scattered around in each of the 9+ gardens. It made it easy to take a break or have a nice place to sit and reflect in nature. The rose garden even had a few arbor benches so you could sit amongst the roses. My favorite gardens here are the Japanese and rose gardens. I love Japanese gardens for their calmness and serenity. The Japanese Garden here is about an acre and included a pond with koi fish, tea house with a blue tiled roof, a couple of bridges, and flowing streams. The rose garden is rather large at 5 acres. This particular rose garden unlike the Huntington or the Arboretum has a lot of other flowers mixed in with the roses like snap dragons, lavender, golden, yarrow, just to name a few. Did I say it was very rustic here? I saw many squirrels and wild rabbits scurrying about. Most of the areas you feel like you are deep in the woods. It's good to check the website to see what's in bloom if you have a particular favorite. I'd love to come back when the cherry blossoms or tulips are in bloom which is in early spring. For a list of other rose gardens: bit.ly/44hoyZR For a list of other Japanese gardens: bit.ly/3CLXWV9

This botanical garden is absolutely beautiful! The ambience is peaceful and serene, making it the perfect place to escape and enjoy nature. Every corner of the garden feels like a different little paradise. The staff at the gift store were so friendly and welcoming, which made the visit even more enjoyable. They offered great recommendations and added a personal touch to the experience. Whether you're a plant lover or just looking for a calm, relaxing day out, this place is a must-visit. I'll definitely be coming back!